Page 47 of Once Upon A Royal Christmas
“Then who is this?” Jaron slid his phone from his pocket, tapped the screen a few times, and handed it to Nick.
His image filled the screen, arm wrapped around Gracie and gazing at her like she was the queen of his heart. The Christmas tree maze was a blur in the background, and they look like they’d just climbed out of a snow cave together.
“But…” Nick shook his head. But we look like a couple. “But this wasn’t an official appearance. Why is there a picture of it on social media?”
Jaron lifted his chin. “Emilie posted it, and you should be grateful that she did. You look accessible here. Human.”
Nick’s jaw clenched. “Human? As opposed to what, exactly?”
Jaron pocketed his phone and winced. “Sorry. Poor choice of words. The point is that this is just the sort of publicity the press office had in mind when Emilie suggested the contest. And it’s working.”
Jaron nodded toward the window.
Nick sighed and walked toward it with Mittens trotting obediently on his heels. He peeled back the heavy damask drapery and glanced down at the village square, teeming with people. Lines snaked down each row of the Christmas market. Groups of tourists posed for selfies at the palace gate. Some of them looked as though they were wearing plastic snowflake tiaras over their knit winter hats.
On one hand, it was great to see the holiday crowds back to their normal levels. On the other...
“This can’t possibly have anything to do with the picture.” He stepped away from the window and jammed a hand through his hair.
Mittens cocked his head and whined.
The dog gets it. Why doesn’t Jaron?
The photograph had been taken in an unguarded moment, one that hadn’t been intended for public consumption. Seeing it making the rounds online almost felt like seeing Sarah Jane’s interview for the very first time.
“Oh, good. You’re both here,” Nick’s mother said as she bustled into the room, along with Nick’s father.
Mittens immediately forgot about Nick’s angst and romped toward the king and queen, tail wagging like mad.
“This is where we have meetings now?” Nick said, but no one seemed to hear him.
“Good morning, son.” His dad smiled broadly. “Has Jaron filled you in on the latest developments?”
“Not yet, sir,” Jaron said.
Nick angled his head at him. “Didn’t you?”
“Not entirely.” Jaron adjusted his tie while the king and queen exchanged a loaded glance.
It was then that Nick remembered Jaron’s words as he’d bustled inside Nick’s quarters.
There’s been a change of plans.
Everyone in the room focused intently on Nick. The king and queen. Jaron. Even Mittens. Nick’s gut churned. He had a feeling he wasn’t going to like whatever came next.
“They want me to do what?” Gracie’s fork slipped out of her hand and landed on the table with a clatter.
The other B&B patrons looked up from their breakfasts, heads swiveling in Gracie’s direction. One by one, they each appeared to identify her as the source of the commotion and nodded in recognition. Princess Snowflake had become an unofficial San Glacera celebrity, literally overnight.
“Sorry.” Gracie flashed a smile and waved at the room at large before turning her attention back to Clara. She dropped her voice to a whisper. “What did you just say?”
“I just got an email from Jaron Lutz. The palace press office is delighted at the response to the picture of you and Nick. Apparently, there are record crowds at the Christmas market today.” Clara waggled her eyebrows. “I told you this trip was going to be a huge success.”
“Not that part.” Gracie shook her head. “There was something else.” Something far more troubling.
“Oh, you mean the part about the prince?” Clara said, feigning obliviousness.
Gracie grimaced.
